Aerosol delivery device including a moveable cartridge and related assembly method

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices. The aerosol delivery devices may include a housing and a cartridge including an atomizer and a reservoir configured to contain an aerosol precursor composition. The cartridge may be configured to move relative to at least a portion of the housing between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. Related assembly methods are also provided.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, and moreparticularly, to aerosol delivery devices that include a cartridgemoveable between multiple configurations relative to a separate housing.The aerosol delivery device includes an atomizer comprising a heatingelement configured to heat an aerosol precursor. The aerosol precursorcomposition, which may include components made or derived from tobaccoor otherwise incorporate tobacco, is heated by the atomizer to producean inhalable substance for human consumption.

BACKGROUND

Many smoking devices have been proposed through the years asimprovements upon, or alternatives to, smoking products that requirecombusting tobacco for use. Many of those devices purportedly have beendesigned to provide the sensations associated with cigarette, cigar, orpipe smoking, but without delivering considerable quantities ofincomplete combustion and pyrolysis products that result from theburning of tobacco. To this end, there have been proposed numeroussmoking products, flavor generators, and medicinal inhalers that utilizeelectrical energy to vaporize or heat a volatile material, or attempt toprovide the sensations of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking withoutburning tobacco to a significant degree. See, for example, the variousalternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heatgenerating sources set forth in the background art described in U.S.Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0255702 to Griffith Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. App.Pub. No. 2014/0000638 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2014/0060554 to Collett et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0096781 toSears et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/826,929 to Ampolini etal., filed Mar. 14, 2013, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/011,992 to Davis et al., filed Aug. 28, 2013, which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties. See also, for example, thevarious embodiments of products and heating configurations described inthe background sections of U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,594 to Counts et al. andU.S. Pat. No. 8,079,371 to Robinson et. al, which are incorporated byreference in their entireties. Certain existing embodiments of aerosoldelivery devices include a control body and a cartridge. A power source(e.g., a battery) may be positioned in the control body and an aerosolprecursor composition may be positioned in the cartridge. The cartridgeand the control body may engage one another to define an elongatedtubular configuration. However, certain other form factors for aerosoldelivery devices may be desirable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices which, incertain embodiments, may be characterized as electronic cigarettes.

In one aspect an aerosol delivery device is provided. The aerosoldelivery device may include an atomizer, a reservoir configured tocontain an aerosol precursor composition, a housing, and a cartridgecomprising a mouthpiece. The housing may also be referred to as acontrol body, and the cartridge may be releasably coupled to the housingin some embodiments. The cartridge may be moveable relative to at leasta portion of the housing between an extended configuration in which themouthpiece is exposed and a retracted configuration in which themouthpiece is relatively closer to the housing than in the extendedconfiguration.

In some embodiments the cartridge may include the reservoir. Further,the cartridge may include the atomizer. The cartridge may bereplaceable. The aerosol delivery device may additionally include anactuator coupled to the cartridge and configured to move the cartridgebetween the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.

In some embodiments the actuator may include a slider. The slider may beconfigured to cover an opening defined in the housing when the cartridgeis in the retracted configuration such that the cartridge issubstantially enclosed in the housing and further configured to retractfrom at least a portion of the opening to allow the cartridge to extendthrough the opening in the extended configuration. The actuator mayinclude a spring and a button. The spring may be configured to move thecartridge from the retracted configuration to the extended configurationupon actuation of the button.

The housing may include a moveable portion pivotably connected to a mainbody portion. The actuator may include a connecting mechanism configuredto move the cartridge from the retracted configuration to the extendedconfiguration during opening of the moveable portion and configured tomove the cartridge from the extended configuration to the retractedconfiguration during closing of the moveable portion. The cartridge maybe configured to pivot with respect to the housing. The cartridge may beconfigured to remain stationary with respect to a main body portion ofthe housing. The mouthpiece may be positioned inside the housing in theretracted configuration.

In an additional aspect a method for assembling an aerosol deliverydevice is provided. The method may include providing an atomizer, areservoir configured to contain an aerosol precursor composition, ahousing, and a cartridge comprising a mouthpiece, positioning theatomizer in the cartridge or the housing, positioning the reservoir inthe cartridge or the housing, and operatively engaging the cartridgewith the housing such that the cartridge is moveable relative to atleast a portion of the housing between an extended configuration inwhich the mouthpiece is exposed and a retracted configuration in whichthe mouthpiece is relatively closer to the housing than in the extendedconfiguration.

In some embodiments positioning the reservoir in the cartridge or thehousing may include positioning the reservoir in the cartridge.Positioning the atomizer in the cartridge or the housing may includepositioning the atomizer in the cartridge. Operatively engaging thecartridge with the housing may include coupling the cartridge to anactuator. The actuator may be configured to move the cartridge betweenthe extended configuration and the retracted configuration. Coupling thecartridge to the actuator may include inserting a slider at leastpartially within the housing. The slider may be configured to cover anopening in the housing in the retracted configuration such that thecartridge is substantially enclosed in the housing and furtherconfigured to retract from at least a portion of the opening to allowthe cartridge to extend through the opening in the extendedconfiguration. The method may additionally include pivotably coupling amain body portion of the housing to a moveable portion of the housing.Operatively engaging the cartridge with the housing may includepivotably coupling the cartridge to the housing.

In an additional aspect an aerosol delivery device is provided. Theaerosol delivery device may include a housing, a connector comprising acoupler configured to engage a cartridge comprising atomizer and areservoir containing an aerosol precursor composition, and an actuatorat least partially received within the housing and engaged with theconnector, the actuator being configured to move the cartridge relativeto at least a portion of the housing between an extended configurationand a retracted configuration.

In some embodiments the aerosol delivery device may additionally includea power source. The aerosol delivery device may further include acontroller. The controller may be configured to direct electrical powerfrom the power source to the cartridge to heat the aerosol precursorcomposition retained in the reservoir with the atomizer to produce anaerosol. The actuator may include a slider configured to slide on atrack. The actuator may additionally include an external engagementmember configured for engagement by a user to move the slider.

In an additional aspect a method for assembling an aerosol deliverydevice is provided. The method may include providing a housing, anactuator, and a connector comprising a coupler configured to engage acartridge comprising atomizer and a reservoir containing an aerosolprecursor composition, coupling the connector to the actuator, and atleast partially inserting the connector and the actuator within thehousing such that the actuator is configured to move the cartridgerelative to at least a portion of the housing between an extendedconfiguration and a retracted configuration.

In some embodiments the method may additionally include inserting apower source into the housing. Further, the method may include insertinga controller into the housing. The controller may be configured todirect electrical power from the power source to the cartridge to heatthe aerosol precursor composition retained in the reservoir with theatomizer to produce an aerosol. The method may additionally includeassembling the actuator. Assembling the actuator may include engaging aslider with a track. Assembling the actuator may further includecoupling an external engagement member to the slider. The externalengagement member may be configured for engagement by a user to move theslider.

In an additional embodiment an aerosol delivery device is provided. Theaerosol delivery device may include a housing, a power source within thehousing, a connector moveably attached to the housing, and a cartridgecomprising an outer body with a mouthpiece configured for passage of anaerosol therethrough. The cartridge may be engaged with the connector soas to be moveable relative to at least a portion of the housing.

In some embodiments the cartridge may include a reservoir configured toretain an aerosol precursor composition. The cartridge may include anatomizer. The cartridge may be removably engaged with the connector andreplaceable.

In some embodiments the aerosol delivery device may additionally includean actuator coupled to the connector and configured to move thecartridge between an extended configuration in which the mouthpiece isexposed and a retracted configuration in which the mouthpiece isrelatively closer to the housing than in the extended configuration. Theactuator may include a slider. The slider may be configured to cover anopening defined in the housing when the cartridge is in the retractedconfiguration such that the cartridge is substantially enclosed in thehousing and further configured to retract from at least a portion of theopening to allow the cartridge to extend through the opening in theextended configuration. The actuator may include a spring and a button.The spring may be configured to move the cartridge from the retractedconfiguration to the extended configuration upon actuation of thebutton.

In some embodiments the housing may include a moveable portion pivotablyconnected to a main body portion. The actuator may include a connectingmechanism configured to move the cartridge from the retractedconfiguration to the extended configuration during opening of themoveable portion and configured to move the cartridge from the extendedconfiguration to the retracted configuration during closing of themoveable portion. The cartridge may be configured to pivot with respectto the housing. The mouthpiece may be positioned inside the housing inthe retracted configuration.

In an additional embodiment an aerosol delivery device is provided. Theaerosol delivery device may include a cartridge including an outer bodywith a mouthpiece configured for passage of an aerosol therethrough, ahousing including a main body portion and a moveable portion, and apower source within the housing. The moveable portion of the housing maybe configured to move with respect to the main body portion of thehousing between a first position in which the mouthpiece of thecartridge is exposed and a second position in which the mouthpiece is atleast partially received within the moveable portion of the housing.

In some embodiments the cartridge may be configured to remain stationarywith respect to the main body portion of the housing. The moveableportion of the housing may be configured to translate toward and awayfrom the main body portion of the housing. The moveable portion of thehousing may be configured to pivot with respect to the main body portionof the housing.

In some embodiments the aerosol delivery device may further include aconnector attached to the housing and engaged with the cartridge. Theconnector may be fixedly attached to the main body portion of thehousing. The cartridge may be removably engaged with the connector andreplaceable. The cartridge may include an atomizer.

In an additional embodiment a method for assembling an aerosol deliverydevice is provided. The method may include providing a housing, a powersource, and a connector configured to engage a cartridge comprising anouter body with a mouthpiece configured for passage of an aerosoltherethrough. The method may additionally include positioning the powersource within the housing and moveably attaching the connector to thehousing such that the connector is configured to move the cartridgerelative to at least a portion of the housing.

In some embodiments the method may additionally include engaging thecartridge with the connector. The method may further include couplingthe connector to an actuator. The actuator may be configured to move thecartridge between an extended configuration and a retractedconfiguration. Additionally, the method may include assembling theactuator. Assembling the actuator may include engaging a slider with atrack. Assembling the actuator may additionally include coupling anexternal engagement member to the slider. The external engagement membermay be configured for engagement by a user to move the slider.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure willbe apparent from a reading of the following detailed descriptiontogether with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly describedbelow. The invention includes any combination of two, three, four, ormore of the above-noted embodiments as well as combinations of any two,three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure,regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combinedin a specific embodiment description herein. This disclosure is intendedto be read holistically such that any separable features or elements ofthe disclosed invention, in any of its various aspects and embodiments,should be viewed as intended to be combinable unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Having thus described the disclosure in the foregoing general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a sectional view through an aerosoldelivery device comprising a housing and a cartridge wherein thecartridge is moveable relative to at least a portion of the housing andwherein the cartridge is in a retracted configuration according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a front view of the aerosol deliverydevice of FIG. 1 wherein the cartridge is in an extended configuration;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cartridge suitable for use in the aerosol deliverydevice of FIG. 1 in an exploded configuration according to an exampleembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the aerosol delivery device ofFIG. 1 wherein the cartridge is in the retracted configuration;

FIG. 5 illustrates an opposing perspective view of the aerosol deliverydevice of FIG. 1 wherein the cartridge is in the extended configuration;

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the aerosol deliverydevice of FIG. 1, wherein a rear cover of the housing is removed and thecartridge is in the retracted configuration;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of the aerosol deliverydevice of FIG. 1, wherein a front cover of the housing is removed andthe cartridge is in the extended configuration;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of the aerosol deliverydevice of FIG. 1 wherein the front cover and the cartridge are removed;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a slider of the aerosoldelivery device of FIG. 1 in an exploded configuration;

FIG. 10 illustrates an opposing side perspective view of the aerosoldelivery device of FIG. 1 wherein the front cover is removed and thecartridge is in the extended configuration;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side perspective view of the aerosol deliverydevice of FIG. 1 wherein the front cover is removed and the cartridge isin the retracted configuration;

FIG. 12 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the slider and acontroller of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a connector of theaerosol delivery device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a front view of an aerosol deliverydevice comprising a housing and a cartridge wherein the cartridge ismoveable relative to at least a portion of the housing, wherein thecartridge is in an extended configuration, and wherein a bottom of thehousing defines an attachment mechanism according to an exampleembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a front view of an aerosol deliverydevice comprising a housing and a cartridge wherein the cartridge ismoveable relative to at least a portion of the housing, wherein thecartridge is in an extended configuration, and wherein a corner of thehousing defines an attachment mechanism according to an exampleembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an aerosoldelivery device comprising a housing and a cartridge wherein thecartridge is moveable relative to at least a portion of the housing,wherein the cartridge is in an extended configuration, and wherein aslider is configured to cover and uncover an opening according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a sectional view through the aerosoldelivery device of FIG. 16 wherein the cartridge is in a retractedconfiguration;

FIG. 18 schematically illustrates a sectional view through the aerosoldelivery device of FIG. 16 wherein the cartridge is in the extendedconfiguration;

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a side view of an aerosol deliverydevice comprising a housing and a cartridge wherein the cartridge ismoveable relative to at least a portion of the housing, wherein amoveable portion of the housing is hingedly moveable with respect to amain body portion of the housing, and wherein the cartridge is in aretracted configuration according to an example embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 20 schematically illustrates a side view of the aerosol deliverydevice of FIG. 20 wherein the cartridge is in the extendedconfiguration;

FIG. 21 schematically illustrates a partial perspective view of anaerosol delivery device comprising a housing and a cartridge wherein thecartridge is moveable relative to at least a portion of the housing,wherein a moveable portion of the housing is configured to pivot withrespect to a main body portion of the housing, and wherein the cartridgeis in an extended configuration according to an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 22 schematically illustrates a side view of an aerosol deliverydevice comprising a housing and a cartridge wherein the cartridge ismoveable relative to at least a portion of the housing, wherein theactuator comprises a spring and a button, and wherein the cartridge isin an extended configuration according to an example embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 23 schematically illustrates a side view of an aerosol deliverydevice comprising a housing and a cartridge wherein the cartridge ishingedly moveable relative to at least a portion of the housing andwherein the cartridge is in a retracted configuration according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 schematically illustrates a side view of the aerosol deliverydevice of FIG. 23 in an extended configuration;

FIG. 25 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an aerosoldelivery device comprising a housing and a cartridge wherein thecartridge is moveable relative to a moveable portion of a housing andstationary respect to a main body portion, wherein the moveable portionis configured to hingedly move with respect to the main body portion,and wherein the cartridge is in a retracted configuration according toan example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the aerosoldelivery device of FIG. 25 wherein the cartridge is in an extendedconfiguration;

FIG. 27 schematically illustrates a side view of an aerosol deliverydevice comprising a housing and a cartridge wherein the cartridge ismoveable with respect to a moveable portion of a housing and stationarywith respect to a main body portion, wherein the moveable portion isconfigured to slide toward and away from the main body portion, andwherein the cartridge is in a retracted configuration according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 schematically illustrates the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 28in an extended configuration;

FIG. 29 schematically illustrates a method for assembling an aerosoldelivery device according to a first example embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 30 schematically illustrates a method for assembling an aerosoldelivery device according to a second example embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 31 schematically illustrates a method for assembling an aerosoldelivery device according to a third example embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 32 schematically illustrates a controller according to an exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to exemplary embodiments thereof. These exemplary embodimentsare described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, andwill fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in theart. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure willsatisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification, andin the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, includeplural variations unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Aerosol delivery devices according to the present disclosure may useelectrical energy to heat a material (preferably without combusting thematerial to any significant degree) to form an inhalable substance; sucharticles most preferably being sufficiently compact to be considered“hand-held” devices. An aerosol delivery device may provide some or allof the sensations (e.g., inhalation and exhalation rituals, types oftastes or flavors, organoleptic effects, physical feel, use rituals,visual cues such as those provided by visible aerosol, and the like) ofsmoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, without any substantial degree ofcombustion of any component of that article or device. The aerosoldelivery device may not produce smoke in the sense of the aerosolresulting from by-products of combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, butrather, that the article or device most preferably yields vapors(including vapors within aerosols that can be considered to be visibleaerosols that might be considered to be described as smoke-like)resulting from volatilization or vaporization of certain components ofthe article or device, although in other embodiments the aerosol may notbe visible. In highly preferred embodiments, aerosol delivery devicesmay incorporate tobacco and/or components derived from tobacco. As such,the aerosol delivery device can be characterized as an electronicsmoking article such as an electronic cigarette.

Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure also can becharacterized as being vapor-producing articles or medicament deliveryarticles. Thus, such articles or devices can be adapted so as to provideone or more substances (e.g., flavors and/or pharmaceutical activeingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, inhalablesubstances can be substantially in the form of a vapor (i.e., asubstance that is in the gas phase at a temperature lower than itscritical point). Alternatively, inhalable substances can be in the formof an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or liquiddroplets in a gas). For purposes of simplicity, the term “aerosol” asused herein is meant to include vapors, gases and aerosols of a form ortype suitable for human inhalation, whether or not visible, and whetheror not of a form that might be considered to be smoke-like.

In use, aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure may besubjected to many of the physical actions employed by an individual inusing a traditional type of smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, cigar orpipe that is employed by lighting and inhaling tobacco). For example, anaerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can be hand-held by auser, a user can draw on a portion of the article for inhalation ofaerosol produced by that article, a user can take puffs at selectedintervals of time, and the like.

Smoking articles of the present disclosure generally include a housingand a number of additional components coupled thereto and/or positionedwithin the housing, some of the components being movable relative to thehousing. The overall design of the housing can vary, and the overallsize and shape of the housing can vary. The smoking articles can includea cartridge, which can be defined by an outer body or shell—e.g., anelongated body resembling the shape of a portion of a cigarette orcigar. For example, an outer shell or body of the cartridge can besubstantially tubular in shape and, as such, resemble the shape of aconventional cigarette or cigar. In some embodiments, the housing maycontain one or more reusable components (e.g., a rechargeable batteryand various electronics for controlling the operation of that article),and the cartridge can be removable, refillable, and/or disposable.

Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure most preferablycomprise some combination of a power source (i.e., an electrical powersource), at least one control component (e.g., means for actuating,controlling, regulating and/or ceasing power for heat generation, suchas by controlling electrical current flow from the power source to othercomponents of the aerosol delivery device), a heater or heat generationcomponent (e.g., an electrical resistance heating element or componentcommonly referred to as part of an “atomizer”), and an aerosol precursorcomposition (e.g., commonly a liquid capable of yielding an aerosol uponapplication of sufficient heat, such as ingredients commonly referred toas “smoke juice,” “e-liquid” and “e-juice”), and a mouthend region ortip for allowing draw upon the aerosol delivery device for aerosolinhalation (e.g., a defined air flow path through the article such thataerosol generated can be withdrawn therefrom upon draw). When theheating element heats the aerosol precursor composition, an aerosol isformed, released, or generated in a physical form suitable forinhalation by a consumer. It should be noted that the foregoing termsare meant to be interchangeable such that reference to release,releasing, releases, or released includes form or generate, forming orgenerating, forms or generates, and formed or generated. Specifically,an inhalable substance is released in the form of a vapor or aerosol ormixture thereof.

As noted above, the aerosol delivery device may incorporate a battery orother electrical power source (e.g., a capacitor) to provide currentflow sufficient to provide various functionalities to the aerosoldelivery device, such as powering of a heater, powering of controlsystems, powering of indicators, and the like. The power source can takeon various embodiments. Preferably, the power source is able to deliversufficient power to rapidly heat the heating element to provide foraerosol formation and power the aerosol delivery device through use fora desired duration of time. The power source preferably is sized to fitconveniently within the aerosol delivery device so that the aerosoldelivery device can be easily handled. Additionally, a preferred powersource is of a sufficiently light weight to not detract from a desirablesmoking experience. A battery for use in the present devices may bereplaceable and/or rechargeable and thus may be combined with any typeof recharging technology, including connection to a typical alternatingcurrent electrical outlet, connection to a car charger (i.e., acigarette lighter receptacle), and connection to a computer, such asthrough a universal serial bus (USB) cable or connector. Examples ofelectrical power sources are described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2010/0028766 to Peckerar et al., the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

An aerosol delivery device according to the present disclosurepreferably incorporates a sensor or detector for control of supply ofelectric power to a heat generation element when aerosol generation isdesired (e.g., upon draw during use). As such, for example, there isprovided a manner or method for turning off the power supply to the heatgeneration element when the aerosol generating piece is not be drawnupon during use, and for turning on the power supply to actuate ortrigger the generation of heat by the heat generation element duringdraw. For example, with respect to a flow sensor, representative currentregulating components and other current controlling components includingvarious microcontrollers, sensors, and switches for aerosol deliverydevices are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S.Pat. No. 4,947,874 to Brooks et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 toMcCafferty et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.; U.S.Pat. No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,205,622 to Pan;U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 2009/0230117 to Fernando et al. and 2014/0060554 toCollet et al.; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/837,542, filedMar. 15, 2013, to Ampolini et al. and Ser. No. 14/209,191, filed Mar.13, 2014, to Henry et al.; which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties. Additional representative types of sensing ordetection mechanisms, structures, components, configurations, andgeneral methods of operation thereof, are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty etal.; and PCT WO 2010/003480 to Flick; which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can include anindicator, which may comprise one or more light emitting diodes. Theindicator can be in communication with the control component through aconnector circuit and illuminate, for example, during a user draw on themouthend as detected by the flow sensor.

Various elements that may be included in the housing are described inU.S. application Ser. No. 14/193,961 to Worm et al., filed Feb. 28,2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Stillfurther components can be utilized in the aerosol delivery device of thepresent disclosure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel etal. discloses indicators for smoking articles; U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,424to Sprinkel, Jr. discloses piezoelectric sensors that can be associatedwith the mouth-end of a device to detect user lip activity associatedwith taking a draw and then trigger heating; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 toMcCafferty et al. discloses a puff sensor for controlling energy flowinto a heating load array in response to a pressure drop through amouthpiece; U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al. disclosesreceptacles in a smoking device that include an identifier that detectsa non-uniformity in infrared transmissivity of an inserted component anda controller that executes a detection routine as the component isinserted into the receptacle; U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer etal. describes a defined executable power cycle with multipledifferential phases; U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,289 to Watkins et al. disclosesphotonic-optronic components; U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al.discloses means for altering draw resistance through a smoking device;U.S. Pat. No. 6,803,545 to Blake et al. discloses specific batteryconfigurations for use in smoking devices; U.S. Pat. No. 7,293,565 toGriffen et al. discloses various charging systems for use with smokingdevices; U.S. Pat. No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al. discloses computerinterfacing means for smoking devices to facilitate charging and allowcomputer control of the device; U.S. Pat. No. 8,689,804 to Fernando etal. discloses identification systems for smoking devices; and WO2010/003480 to Flick discloses a fluid flow sensing system indicative ofa puff in an aerosol generating system; all of the foregoing disclosuresbeing incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Furtherexamples of components related to electronic aerosol delivery articlesand disclosing materials or components that may be used in the presentarticle include U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Pat. No.5,249,586 to Morgan et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,977 to Higgins et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,176 to Adams et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,287 toWhite; U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,218 to Voges; U.S. Pat. No. 6,810,883 toFelter et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,461 to Nichols; U.S. Pat. No.7,832,410 to Hon; U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,253 to Kobayashi; U.S. Pat. No.7,896,006 to Hamano; U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,756 to Shayan; U.S. Pat. Nos.8,156,944 and 8,375,957 to Hon; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2006/0196518and 2009/0188490 to Hon; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2009/0272379 to Thorenset al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2009/0260641 and 2009/0260642 toMonsees et al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2008/0149118 and 2010/0024834to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0307518 to Wang; WO2010/091593 to Hon; WO 2013/089551 to Foo; and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/841,233 to DePiano et al., filed Mar. 15, 2013, each ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The aerosol precursor composition, also referred to as a vapor precursorcomposition, may comprise a variety of components including, by way ofexample, any of a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol,or a mixture thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and/orflavorants. Various components that may be included in the aerosolprecursor composition are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,320 toRobinson et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. Additional representative types of aerosol precursorcompositions are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,365 to Sensabaugh, Jr.et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,839 to Jakob et al.; PCT WO 98/57556 toBiggs et al.; and Chemical and Biological Studies on New CigarettePrototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco, R. J. Reynolds TobaccoCompany Monograph (1988); the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties. Other aerosol precursors whichmay be employed in the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosureinclude the aerosol precursors included in the VUSE® product by R. J.Reynolds Vapor Company, the BLU™ product by Lorillard Technologies, theMistic Menthol product by Mistic Ecigs, and the Vype product by CNCreative Ltd. Also desirable are the so-called “Smoke Juices” forelectronic cigarettes that have been available from Johnson CreekEnterprises LLC. Additional exemplary formulations for aerosol precursormaterials that may be used according to the present disclosure aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2013/0008457 to Zheng et al., and U.S.Pat. Pub. No. 2013/0213417 to Chong et al., the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The aerosol delivery device preferably includes a reservoir. In someembodiments, a reservoir may comprise a container for storing a liquidaerosol precursor, a fibrous substrate, or a combination of a fibroussubstrate and a container. A fibrous substrate suitable for use as areservoir may comprise a plurality of layers of nonwoven fibers and maybe formed substantially into the shape of a tube. For example, theformed tube may be shaped and sized for placement within the outer bodyor shell of a cartridge for use in the aerosol delivery device. Liquidcomponents, for example, can be sorptively retained by the fibroussubstrate and/or be retained within a reservoir container. The reservoirpreferably is in fluid connection with a liquid transport element. Thus,the liquid transport element may be configured to transport liquid fromthe reservoir to a heating element, such as via capillary action and/orvia active transport—e.g., pumping or controlled movement with a valve.Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components forsupporting the aerosol precursor are described in U.S. Pat. No.8,528,569 to Newton; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/802,950 toChapman et al., filed Mar. 15, 2013; Ser. No. 14/011,192 to Davis etal., filed Aug. 28, 2013; and Ser. No. 14/170,838 to Bless et al., filedFeb. 3, 2014; which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

The liquid transport element may be in direct contact with the heatingelement. Various wicking materials, and the configuration and operationof those wicking materials within certain types of aerosol deliverydevices, are set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/754,324 toSears et al., filed Jan. 30, 2013, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. A variety of the materials disclosed by theforegoing documents may be incorporated into the present devices invarious embodiments, and all of the foregoing disclosures areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The heating element may comprise a wire defining a plurality of coilswound about the liquid transport element. In some embodiments theheating element may be formed by winding the wire about the liquidtransport element as described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0157583to Ward et al, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. Further, in some embodiments the wire may define a variablecoil spacing, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/827,994 to DePiano et al., filed Mar. 14, 2013, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. Various embodiments of materialsconfigured to produce heat when electrical current is appliedtherethrough may be employed to form the heating element. Examplematerials from which the wire coil may be formed include Kanthal(FeCrAl), Nichrome, Molybdenum disilicide (MoSi₂), molybdenum silicide(MoSi), Molybdenum disilicide doped with Aluminum (Mo(Si,Al)₂), graphiteand graphite-based materials; and ceramic (e.g., a positive or negativetemperature coefficient ceramic). In some embodiments, a stamped heatingelement may be employed in the atomizer, as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/842,125 to DePiano et al., filed Mar. 15, 2013,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further tothe above, additional representative heating elements and materials foruse therein are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,671 to Counts et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,894 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,498 toDeevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,460 to Sprinkel Jr., et al.; U.S. Pat.No. 5,322,075 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,813 to Deevi et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,936 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,850 to Das;U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,656 to Das; U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,855 to Deevi et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,225 to Hajaligol; U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,262 toHajaligol; U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,692 to Das et al.; and U.S. Pat. No.5,591,368 to Fleischhauer et al., the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Further, chemicalheating may be employed in other embodiments. Various additionalexamples of heaters and materials employed to form heaters are describedin U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0060554 to Collett et al., which isincorporated herein by reference, as noted above.

A variety of heater components may be used in the present aerosoldelivery device. In various embodiments, one or more microheaters orlike solid state heaters may be used. Embodiments of microheaters andatomizers incorporating microheaters suitable for use in the presentlydisclosed devices are described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0060554to Collett et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

One or more heating terminals (e.g., positive and negative terminals)may connect to the heating element so as to form an electricalconnection with the power source and/or a terminal may connect to one ormore control elements of the aerosol delivery device. Further, variousexamples of electronic control components and functions performedthereby are described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0096781 to Searset al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Various components of an aerosol delivery device according to thepresent disclosure can be chosen from components described in the artand commercially available. Reference is made for example to thereservoir and heater system for controllable delivery of multipleaerosolizable materials in an electronic smoking article disclosed inU.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0000638 to Sebastian et al., which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In further embodiments, one or more components of the aerosol deliverydevice may be formed from one or more carbon materials, which mayprovide advantages in terms of biodegradability and absence of wires. Inthis regard, the heating element may comprise carbon foam, the reservoirmay comprise carbonized fabric, and graphite may be employed to form anelectrical connection with the battery and controller. An exampleembodiment of a carbon-based cartridge is provided in U.S. Pat. App.Pub. No. 2013/0255702 to Griffith et al., which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

Aerosol delivery devices are often configured in a manner that mimicsaspects of certain traditional smoking devices such as cigarettes orcigars. In this regard, aerosol delivery devices typically define asubstantially cylindrical configuration. For example, aerosol deliverydevices often include a control body and a cartridge which attach in anend-to-end relationship to define the substantially cylindricalconfiguration. While such configurations may provide a look and feelthat is similar to traditional smoking articles, these configurationsmay suffer from certain detriments. For example,cylindrically-configured aerosol delivery devices may not defineattachment points usable to retain the aerosol delivery device in adesired position when not in use. Further, the cylindrical configurationmay result in the mouthpiece being exposed to the surroundingenvironment and therefore susceptible to contamination. Accordingly, itmay be desirable to provide aerosol delivery devices in configurationsthat differ from shapes associated with traditional smoking articles.

In this regard, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a modified sectionalview through an aerosol delivery device 100 according to an exampleembodiment of the present disclosure. As described hereinafter, theaerosol delivery device 100 may include some or all of the componentsdescribed above with respect to various embodiments of aerosol deliverydevices.

As illustrated, in one embodiment the aerosol delivery device 100 mayinclude a housing 102 and a cartridge 200. In some embodiments thecartridge 200 may be moveable with respect to at least a portion of, oran entirety of, the housing 102. In particular, the cartridge 200 may bemoveable relative to at least a portion of the housing 102 between aretracted configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 and an extendedconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 2. Details with respect to themechanisms and manners associated with movement of the cartridge 200relative to the housing 102 are described hereinafter.

In some embodiments, one or both of the housing 102 and the cartridge200 may be referred to as being disposable or as being reusable. Theaerosol delivery device 100 may include various other componentsdisposed within the housing 102 or the cartridge 200 or otherwisecoupled thereto. These components may be distributed between the housing102 and the cartridge 200 in any of various manners. Accordingly, itshould be understood that the described embodiments are provided forexample purposes only.

One example embodiment of the cartridge 200 is illustrated in FIG. 3. Asillustrated, the cartridge 200 may comprise a base shipping plug 202, abase 204, a control component terminal 206, an electronic controlcomponent 208, a flow tube 210, an atomizer 212, a reservoir substrate214, an outer body 216, a label 218, a mouthpiece 220, and a mouthpieceshipping plug 222 according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The base 204 may be coupled to a first end of the outer body216 and the mouthpiece 220 may be coupled to an opposing second end ofthe outer body to at least partially enclose the remaining components ofthe cartridge 200 therein, with the exception of the label 218, themouthpiece shipping plug 222, and the base shipping plug 202. The base204 may be configured to engage an associated device including a powersource. In some embodiments the base 204 may comprise anti-rotationfeatures that substantially prevent relative rotation between thecartridge and associated device including a power source as disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/840,264 to Novak et al., filed Mar.15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The base shipping plug 202 may be configured to engage and protect thebase 204 prior to use of the cartridge 200. Similarly, the mouthpieceshipping plug 222 may be configured to engage and protect the mouthpiece220 prior to use of the cartridge 200. The control component terminal206, the electronic control component 208, the flow tube 210, theatomizer 212, and the reservoir substrate 214 may be retained within theouter body 216. The label 218 may at least partially surround the outerbody 216 and include information such as a product identifier thereon.

The atomizer 212 may comprise a first heating terminal 234 a and asecond heating terminal 234 b, a liquid transport element 238 and aheating element 240. In this regard, the reservoir substrate 214 may beconfigured to hold an aerosol precursor composition. The reservoirsubstrate 214 is in fluid connection with the liquid transport element238 so as to transport liquid from the reservoir substrate 214 to theheating element 240 (e.g., via capillary action.

Various other details with respect to the components that may beincluded in the cartridge 200, are provided, for example, in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/840,264 to Novak et al., filed Mar. 15, 2013,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In thisregard, FIG. 7 thereof illustrates an enlarged exploded view of a baseand a control component terminal; FIG. 8 thereof illustrates an enlargedperspective view of the base and the control component terminal in anassembled configuration; FIG. 9 thereof illustrates an enlargedperspective view of the base, the control component terminal, anelectronic control component, and heating terminals of an atomizer in anassembled configuration; FIG. 10 thereof illustrates an enlargedperspective view of the base, the atomizer, and the control component inan assembled configuration; FIG. 11 thereof illustrates an opposingperspective view of the assembly of FIG. 10 thereof; FIG. 12 thereofillustrates an enlarged perspective view of the base, the atomizer, theflow tube, and the reservoir substrate in an assembled configuration;FIG. 13 thereof illustrates a perspective view of the base and an outerbody in an assembled configuration; FIG. 14 thereof illustrates aperspective view of a cartridge in an assembled configuration; FIG. 15thereof illustrates a first partial perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 14 thereof and a coupler for a control body; FIG. 16 thereofillustrates an opposing second partial perspective view of the cartridgeof FIG. 14 thereof and the coupler of FIG. 11 thereof; FIG. 17 thereofillustrates a perspective view of a cartridge including a base with ananti-rotation mechanism; FIG. 18 thereof illustrates a perspective viewof a control body including a coupler with an anti-rotation mechanism;FIG. 19 thereof illustrates alignment of the cartridge of FIG. 17 withthe control body of FIG. 18; FIG. 20 thereof illustrates an aerosoldelivery device comprising the cartridge of FIG. 17 thereof and thecontrol body of FIG. 18 thereof with a modified view through the aerosoldelivery device illustrating the engagement of the anti-rotationmechanism of the cartridge with the anti-rotation mechanism of theconnector body; FIG. 21 thereof illustrates a perspective view of a basewith an anti-rotation mechanism; FIG. 22 thereof illustrates aperspective view of a coupler with an anti-rotation mechanism; and FIG.23 thereof illustrates a sectional view through the base of FIG. 21thereof and the coupler of FIG. 22 thereof in an engaged configuration.

In another embodiment the cartridge 200 may be substantially similar, oridentical, to the cartridge disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/286,552 to Brinkley et al., filed May 23, 2014, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Thus, for example, thecartridge may include a flow director defining a non-tubularconfiguration, an electronics compartment sealed with respect to areservoir compartment, and/or any of the various other features andcomponents disclosed therein. Accordingly, it should be understood thatthe particular embodiment of the cartridge 200 described herein isprovided for example purposes only. In this regard, the cartridge 200 isschematically illustrated in FIG. 1 as including only the outer body216, the mouthpiece 220, the atomizer 212, the reservoir 214, and thebase 204, in light of the various alternate and additional componentsthat may be included therein.

Similarly, in one embodiment the housing 102 may include some or all ofthe components of existing embodiments of control bodies configured toengage the above-described cartridge 200 positioned therein or otherwisecoupled thereto. For example, the housing 402 may include some or all ofthe components of the control bodies disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/840,264 to Novak, et al., filed Mar. 15, 2013,Ser. No. 14/286,552 to Brinkley et al., filed May 23, 2014, and Ser. No.14/193,961 to Worm et al., filed Feb. 28, 2014, each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, as may beunderstood, the cartridge 200 may include some or all of thesecomponents in other embodiments.

By way of example, in the illustrated embodiment (see, e.g., FIG. 1) theaerosol delivery device 100 includes a power source 104 (e.g., abattery) positioned within the housing 102. Further, a connector 106 maybe moveably attached to the housing 102. The cartridge 200 may beengaged with the connector 106 so as to be moveable relative to at leasta portion of the housing 102. In some embodiments the cartridge 200 maybe removably engaged with the connector 106 and replaceable. The aerosoldelivery device 100 may additionally include a controller 108 receivedtherein. The controller 108 may be configured to direct electrical powerfrom the power source 104 to the cartridge 200 to heat the aerosolprecursor composition retained in the reservoir 214 with the atomizer212 to produce a vapor, which may occur during a user draw on themouthpiece 220 of the cartridge.

One or more components of the cartridge 200 may be configured to form anelectrical connection with the connector 106. For example, referring tothe cartridge embodiment of FIG. 3, the first heating terminal 234 a andthe second heating terminal 234 b (e.g., positive and negativeterminals) at the opposing ends of the heating element 240 areconfigured to form an electrical connection with the connector 106.Further, the electronic control component 208 (see, FIG. 3) may form anelectrical connection with the connector 106 through the controlcomponent terminal 206 (see, FIG. 3). Components within the housing 102(e.g., the controller 108) may thus employ the electronic controlcomponent 208 to determine whether the cartridge 200 is genuine and/orperform other functions. However, in other embodiments the connectionbetween the connector 106 and the cartridge 200 may not be electrical.In other words, the connection between the connector 106 and thecartridge 300 may be purely mechanical. In these embodiments atomizationmay occur outside of the cartridge or atomization may occur via othermethods not requiring electrical connections between the cartridge andthe housing such as via piezoelectric or radio frequency atomization.Alternatively, the power source may be positioned in the cartridge suchthat electrical connection with connector is not required.

During use, a user may draw on the mouthpiece 220 of the cartridge 200of the aerosol delivery device 100. This may pull air through an openingin the connector 106 or in the cartridge 200. However, the flow of airmay be received through other parts of the aerosol delivery device 100in other embodiments. As noted above, in some embodiments the cartridge200 may include the flow tube 210 (see, FIG. 3). The flow tube 210 maybe configured to direct the flow of air to the heating element 240 (see,FIG. 3) of the atomizer 212.

As described below, a sensor in the aerosol delivery device 100 maysense the puff. When the puff is sensed, the controller 108 may directcurrent to the heating element 240 through a circuit including the firstheating terminal 234 a and the second heating terminal 234 b (see, FIG.3). Accordingly, the heating element 240 may vaporize the aerosolprecursor composition directed to an aerosolization zone from thereservoir substrate 214 by the liquid transport element 238 (see, FIG.3). Thus, the mouthpiece 220 may allow passage of aerosol (i.e., thecomponents of the aerosol precursor composition in an inhalable form)therethrough to a consumer drawing thereon.

As noted above, the cartridge 200 may be moveable relative to thehousing 102. In this regard, the aerosol delivery device 100 may furthercomprise an actuator 110. In particular, the actuator 110 may be coupledto the connector 106. Thereby, the actuator 110 may be operativelyengaged with the cartridge 200 and configured to move the cartridgebetween the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the mouthpiece 220 may be exposed when thecartridge 200 is in the extended configuration. In other words themouthpiece 220 may be positioned outside of the housing 102 when thecartridge 200 is in the extended configuration such that a user mayengage the mouthpiece with his or her lips. Thus, the extendedconfiguration of the cartridge 200 is a configuration in which theaerosol delivery device 100 is configured to receive a draw on themouthpiece 220 such that the aerosol delivery device may produce anddeliver an aerosol to a user in the manner described above.

Conversely, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in the retracted configuration themouthpiece 220 is relatively closer to the housing 102 than in theextended configuration (see, FIG. 2). In the retracted configuration themouthpiece 220 may be flush with respect to the housing 102. In otherwords, an outer surface of the mouthpiece 220 may substantially alignwith an outer surface of the housing 102. In another embodiment themouthpiece 220 may be recessed with respect to the housing 102. In otherwords, a gap may be provided between the outer surface of the mouthpiece220 and the outer surface of the housing 102.

Thus, in one embodiment the mouthpiece 220 of the cartridge 200 may beat least partially received within the housing 102 in the retractedconfiguration. In another embodiment an entirety of the cartridge 200including the mouthpiece 220 may be received within the housing 102 inthe retracted configuration. Accordingly, by positioning the mouthpiece220 relatively closer to the housing 102 (e.g., partially or entirelyreceived therein), the mouthpiece may be protected from damage. Further,the mouthpiece 220 may be less prone to contamination (e.g., from lint,dust, or dirt) in the retracted configuration, which might otherwisetransfer to a user's lips or contact the heating element, which couldadversely affect performance thereof. Additionally, in the retractedconfiguration fluid leakage out of the mouthpiece 220 of the cartridge200 (e.g., condensation) may be captured by the housing 102. Forexample, fluid leaking from the mouthpiece 220 may drain into asurrounding portion of the housing 102, at which the fluid may beretained and evaporate. In contrast, aerosol delivery devices definingconfigurations resembling traditional smoking articles typically includea fixedly-positioned mouthpiece, which may be exposed to itssurroundings and thereby susceptible to damage or contamination if notproperly stored by a user, and which may leak fluid (e.g., condensation)to its surroundings in certain instances.

As noted above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosoldelivery devices that include a cartridge that is moveable with respectto at least a portion of a housing between a retracted configuration andan extended configuration. As further noted above, such aerosol deliverydevices may include any of a wide variety of components as describedelsewhere herein. However, embodiments of aerosol delivery devicesincluding example configurations of components are describedhereinafter. Again, however, it should be understood that theillustrated configurations are provided for example purposes only. Thus,a greater or lesser number of components and/or the same or differingcomponents, which may be distributed between the cartridge and thehousing in the same or differing manners, may be included in embodimentsof aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure. By way of furtherexample, in one embodiment the reservoir and/or the heater may bepositioned in the housing, rather than in the cartridge. In thisembodiment the cartridge may deliver aerosol formed in the housing tothe user, rather than produce the formed aerosol. Thus, the cartridgemay substantially define a straw, tube, or the like on which the userdraws in some embodiments.

However, by way of example, FIGS. 4-13 illustrate views of the aerosoldelivery device 100 of FIGS. 4 and 5 including additional componentsaccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Inparticular, FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the aerosoldelivery device 100 in the closed configuration and FIG. 5 illustrates aperspective view of the aerosol delivery device in the extendedconfiguration. As illustrated, the housing 102 may define an ergonomicshape configured to comfortably fit within a user's hand. In thisregard, the housing 102 may define a bottom 102A and a top 102B that areoppositely disposed from one another, first and second sides 102C, 102Dthat are oppositely disposed from one another, and a front 102E and arear 102F that are oppositely disposed from one another. The bottom 102Amay be curved and the sides 102C, 102D may taper toward the top 102B tofacilitate gripping the aerosol delivery device 100 in the palm of auser's hand. The shape of the housing 102, however, is not limited andmay be any shape that accommodates the various elements as describedherein.

Additionally, in some embodiments the housing 102 may comprise a frontcover 102G and a rear cover 102H. The front cover 102G may define thefront 102E of the housing 102. Conversely, the rear cover 102H maydefine the rear 102F of the housing 102.

Further, the housing 102 may define a width extending between the sides102C, 102D from about 20 mm to about 60 mm, a thickness extendingbetween the front 102E and the back 102F from about 10 mm to about 50mm, and a length extending between the bottom 102A and the top 102B fromabout 40 mm to about 120 mm. In some embodiments, the housing may beexpressly non-cylindrical. In contrast, typical aerosol delivery devicesconfigured to resemble traditional smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes)are substantially cylindrical in shape and may define a diameter fromabout 8 mm to about 15 mm and a longitudinal length from about 80 mm toabout 120 mm. Accordingly, the width of the aerosol delivery devices ofthe present disclosure may be substantially greater than the diameter oftraditional aerosol delivery devices in order to improve the level ofcomfort and secureness of grip associated with grasping the aerosoldelivery devices of the present disclosure. Conversely, the length ofthe aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure (in the retractedconfiguration) may be less than the length of traditional aerosoldelivery devices in order to improve the portability of the aerosoldelivery devices of the present disclosure.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5, the aerosol delivery device 100 mayadditionally include an attachment mechanism 112. The attachmentmechanism 112 may comprise a loop, a clip, a ring, or other mechanismconfigured to attach to another device such as a keychain, a carabineer,or a lanyard. Accordingly, the aerosol delivery device 100 may beretained in a desired position. Thus, for example, a user may be able tomore easily secure the aerosol delivery device 100 in a desired positionat which the aerosol delivery device may be less prone to damage ormisplacement. The attachment mechanism 112 may be positionedsubstantially opposite from an end of the housing 102 at which thecartridge 200 extends therefrom (e.g., at the top 102B) so as to avoidinterference with a user drawing on the cartridge during use.

The aerosol delivery device 100 may additionally include an inputmechanism 114. The input mechanism 114 may comprise a button or switchconfigured to receive an input from a user. When the input mechanism 114is actuated, the aerosol delivery device 100 may produce an outputcorresponding to a status of the aerosol delivery device. For example,the aerosol delivery device may output sound, vibration, or light. Asillustrated in FIG. 4, the aerosol delivery device 100 may furthercomprise an indicator 116. The indicator 116 may comprise a lighttransmitter 116A (e.g., plastic or glass, which may be tinted a desiredcolor). Further, the indicator 116 may include a light emitter 116B(see, e.g., FIG. 6), which may comprise an incandescent bulb or lightemitting diode (LED). Thereby, the light emitter 116B may illuminate thelight transmitter 116A, which may direct the light outwardlytherethrough to output a status of the aerosol delivery device 100.

In this regard, the indicator 116 may flash or otherwise illuminate toindicate a remaining or used portion of the capacity of the power source104 or the reservoir 214 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). For example, a relativelylarge number of flashes of the indicator 116 upon actuation of the inputmechanism 114 may correspond to a relatively large remaining capacity ofthe power source 104 or the reservoir 214 (see, e.g., FIG. 1).Conversely, a relatively small number of flashes of the indicator 116upon actuation of the input mechanism 114 may correspond to a relativelysmall remaining capacity of the power source 104 or the reservoir 214(see, e.g., FIG. 1). However, the indicator 116 and/or other outputmechanisms may be employed to output various other information and/oroutput information in various other manners. Examples of otherinformation that may be outputted include error messages, operationalmodes, historical usage information, etc.

Further in some embodiments the aerosol delivery device 100 may includea display 118, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The display 118 may be providedin addition to, or as an alternate for, the indicator 116. In thisregard, the display 118 may be configured to output various informationincluding information regarding a status of the aerosol delivery device100, information unrelated to the status of the aerosol delivery device(e.g., the present time), and/or non-informative graphics (e.g.,graphics provided for user entertainment purposes). Thereby, the display118 may be configured to output any or all of the information describedabove (e.g., a remaining or used portion of the capacity of the powersource 104 or the reservoir 214) in any form such as graphical formand/or a numerical form. Further, in some embodiments operation or thedisplay may be controlled by the input mechanism 114 or a separate inputmechanism. The display 118, for example, may be a touchscreen and thusmay be configured for user input. In some embodiments, the display 118may provide icons, menus, or the like configured to allow a user to makecontrol selections related to the functioning of the aerosol deliverydevice 100, check a specific status of the device, or the like. Althoughthe display 118 is illustrated as encompassing only a relatively smallportion of the front cover 102G, it is understood that the display maycover a significantly greater portion of the front cover and/or the rearcover 102H.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the aerosol deliverydevice 100 with the rear cover 102H (see, FIGS. 6 and 7) removed forillustration purposes, wherein the cartridge 200 is in the retractedconfiguration. FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of theaerosol delivery device 100 with the front cover 102G (see, FIGS. 6 and7) removed for illustration purposes, wherein the cartridge 200 is inthe extended configuration. Accordingly, various internal components ofthe aerosol delivery device 100 are illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

As previously noted, the actuator 110 may be operatively engaged withthe cartridge 200 and configured to move the cartridge between theextended configuration and the retracted configuration. Variousembodiments of the actuator 110 may be employed. However, in oneembodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the actuator 110 comprisesa slider 120. The slider 120 may be configured to translate or otherwisemove between a first position at which the cartridge 200 is in theextended configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 7) and a second position atwhich the cartridge is in the retracted configuration (see, e.g., FIG.6).

The slider 120 may be configured to slide upon a track 122 between thefirst and second positions. In this regard, a user may slide the slider120 between the first and second positions via direct or indirectengagement therewith. For example, in the illustrated embodiment theactuator 110 includes an external engagement member 124 (see, e.g., FIG.7) coupled to the slider 120 and configured for engagement by a user(e.g., configured for engagement by a user's thumb) in order to allowthe user to move the slider 120. In this regard, the external engagementmember 124 may be positioned or extend outside of the housing 102. Inthe illustrated embodiment the external engagement member 124 extendsout of the front 102E of the housing 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 7). However,the external engagement member 124 may extend out of any other portionof the housing 102 in other embodiments. For example, the actuator 110may be configured to extend out of one of the sides 102C, 102D of thehousing 102. Further, a concealment member 126 (see, e.g., FIG. 7) maylimit exposure of internal components of the aerosol delivery device 100to an external environment, as described in detail below.

The track 122 may guide movement of the slider 120 thereon. The track122 may restrain motion of the slider 120 such that the slider may moveonly in first and second directions along the longitudinal length of thetrack. Various embodiments of the track 122 and the slider 120 may beemployed to allow for movement in this manner. However, details withrespect to one example embodiment of the track 122 and the slider 120are illustrated in FIG. 8, in which various components including thecartridge 200, the front cover 102G (see, FIGS. 6 and 7), the externalengagement member 124 (see, e.g., FIG. 7), and the concealment member126 (see, e.g., FIG. 7) are not shown for illustration purposes.

As illustrated, the track 122 may define a longitudinal extension 128and the slider 120 may define a slot 130 configured to receive thelongitudinal extension therein. Accordingly, lateral motion of theslider 120, perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the longitudinalextension 128 may be substantially avoided while allowing the slider tomove along the longitudinal length thereof. Further, the longitudinalmovement of the slider 120 may be limited.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, in one embodiment the longitudinaltravel of the slider 120 is limited by contact between the externalengagement member 124 and first and second longitudinal ends of anopening 132 defined through the front cover 102G. However in otherembodiments travel of the slider 120 may be limited in other manners.For example, the track 122 may define a stop at one or both endsthereof, the housing 102 may define a stop at one or both ends of thetrack, or any of various other components may define a stop configuredto engage the slider 120 and/or the external engagement member 124 tolimit travel of the actuator along the track.

In order to guide movement of the cartridge 200, in some embodiments theaerosol delivery device 100 may further comprise a guide member 134, asillustrated in FIG. 6. The guide member 134 may provide the cartridge200 with additional stability within the housing 102 and ensure axialmovement of the cartridge 200 along a longitudinal axis thereof duringextension and retraction. Further, in some embodiments the guide member134 may define a stop limiting extension of the cartridge, for exampledue to contact between a connector 106, which is described below, andthe guide member. In one embodiment the guide member 134 may be definedby the housing 102. However, in other embodiments the guide member maycomprise a separate component coupled to the housing.

In some embodiments the actuator 110 may define features configured toretain the slider 120 at a selected position along a longitudinal lengthof the track 122. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, in oneembodiment the track 122 may define a detent or an indentation 136 in aside of the longitudinal extension 128. Further, as illustrated in FIG.9, in one embodiment the slider 120 may include a protrusion 138. In theillustrated embodiment the protrusion comprises a ball bearing which isheld in place inside an aperture 140 defined through the slider 120 andagainst a side of the longitudinal extension 128 of the track 122 (see,e.g., FIG. 8) by a set screw 142. By providing the protrusion 138 with arounded configuration, the protrusion may releasably engage theindentation 136 without causing damage thereto.

A position of the indentation 136 (see, FIG. 8) may be selected suchthat when the protrusion 138 (see, FIG. 9) engages the indentation, thecartridge 200 is at a selected position with respect to the housing 102.For example, in the illustrated embodiment when the protrusion 138engages the indentation 136, the cartridge 200 is in the extendedconfiguration (see, e.g., FIG. 7). Conversely, the track 122 mayadditionally or alternatively include an indentation configured toreleasably retain the cartridge in the retracted configuration (see,e.g., FIG. 6). By releasably retaining the cartridge 200 in the extendedconfiguration and/or the retracted configuration, accidental extensionor retraction of the cartridge 200 may be avoided. Further, embodimentsemploying the set screw 142 may allow for adjustment of the amount offorce required to move the slider 120 along the track 122. In thisregard, the set screw 142 may be tightened to increase the forcerequired to move the slider 120, or loosened to reduce the amount offorce required to move the slider. Note that in other embodiments theconfiguration of the indentation and the protrusion may be reversed suchthat the track defines a protrusion and the slider includes anindentation. Further, various other mechanisms may be configured toreleasably retain the slider at one or more positions along the lengthof the track. For example, magnets may be employed to retain the sliderat one or more positions along the track.

In other embodiments the indentation 136 and the protrusion 138 may notbe included and retention of the slider 120 in a selected position maybe caused by frictional engagement between the slider 120 and the track122. For example, the slot 130 defined by the slider 120 may bedimensioned so as to tightly fit over the longitudinal extension 128 ofthe track 122 (see, e.g., FIG. 8). In this regard, when a user moves theslider 120 on the track 122 to cause the cartridge 200 to move to theextended configuration or the retracted configuration, frictionalengagement between the slider and the track may cause the slider toremain at the selected position along the track until the user moves theslider to another position. Accordingly, accidental extension orretraction of the cartridge 200 may be avoided in other manners.However, usage of the indentation 136 and the protrusion 138 may providea variable degree of resistance associated with moving the slider 120,in addition to more secure retention of the slider in a selectedposition, which users may find to be more satisfying during use.

As noted above, the actuator 112 may include the concealment member 126(see, e.g., FIG. 5) in some embodiments. The concealment member 126 maybe configured to limit exposure of internal components of the aerosoldelivery device 100 to contaminants. Further, the concealment member 126may be configured to limit the visibility of, and access to, theinternal components of the aerosol delivery device 100.

In this regard, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the concealment member 126 maybe configured to block (e.g., overlap with) at least a portion of theopening 132 defined through the front cover 102G. The concealment member126 may define an opening 144 which allows for movement of the slider120 via the external engagement member 124 so as to move the cartridge200 between the retracted configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 4) and theextended configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 5), as described above. However,the opening 144 through the concealment member 126 may be relativelysmaller than the opening 132 through the front cover 102G.

In this regard, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the actuator 110 may furthercomprise one or more fasteners 146 (e.g., screws or rivets) which extendthrough the external engagement member 124 and the opening 144 throughthe concealment member 126 into the slider 120 so as to couple theexternal engagement member to the slider. Thereby, the opening 144through the concealment member 126 may define a width, transverse to alongitudinal length thereof, which is slightly greater than the width ofthe fasteners 146 to allow for sliding movement of the fasteners 146within the opening through the concealment member. Accordingly, theopening 144 through the concealment member 126 may be relativelynarrower than the opening 132 through the front cover 102G (see, e.g.,FIG. 5), which may be slightly wider than a width of the externalengagement member 124. However, as may be understood in otherembodiments one or both of the slider 120 and the external engagementmember 124 may define a relatively narrow portion configured to extendthrough the opening 132 through the concealment member 126.Additionally, in some embodiments the slider 120 and the externalengagement member 124 may define a unitary component, as opposed toseparate pieces coupled to one another by fasteners.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the extended configuration the open areadefined by the opening 144 through the concealment member 126 may berelatively small, and in particular smaller than the area defined by theopening 132 through the housing 102. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4,in the retracted configuration the opening 144 (see, e.g., FIG. 5)through the concealment member 126 may be substantially entirely coveredby the external engagement member 124. In this regard, the aerosoldelivery device 100 may be stored in the retracted configuration, andhence more likely to be exposed to dust, debris, and other contaminantswhile in the retracted configuration. Thus, by substantially or entirelyclosing the opening 144 through the concealment member 126 in theretracted configuration, entry of contaminants through the opening 144through the concealment member 126 may be substantially avoided.

In this regard, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the slider 120 mayinclude a primary portion 120A, an extension 120B, and a connectorportion 120C. The connector portion 120C of the slider 120 may connectthe extension 120B to the primary portion 120A. In particular, theconnector portion 120C of the slider 120 may be positioned at a distalend of the extension 120B such that the extension may extend therefromand overhang the primary portion 120A in one direction so as to producean open gap 148 between the primary portion and the extension.

The open gap 148 may allow for increased travel of the slider 120 alongthe track 122 during movement of the cartridge 200 to the extendedconfiguration without requiring a corresponding increase in thelongitudinal length of the opening 144 in the concealment member 126(see, e.g., FIG. 7). In this regard, as illustrated in FIG. 10, theextension 120B may overlap with a portion of the concealment member 126in the extended configuration. Use of the open gap 148 (see, e.g., FIG.8) defined between the extension 120B and the primary portion 120A ofthe slider 120 in conjunction with the relatively smaller opening 144 inthe concealment member 126 may better conceal internal components of theaerosol delivery device 100 and reduce the possibility of entry ofcontaminants therethrough as compared to usage of a relatively largeropening.

Additionally, in some embodiments the concealment member 126 may beconfigured to slide in first and second opposing longitudinaldirections. In this regard, as the slider 120 slides in a firstdirection to cause the cartridge 200 to move to the extendedconfiguration, the concealment member 126 may also slide in the firstdirection (e.g., generally to the left in terms of the orientationillustrated in FIG. 10) when a first side the connector portion 120C ofthe slider contacts the concealment member at an end of the opening 132therethrough. Conversely, when the slider 120 is moved in an opposingsecond direction, opposite to the first direction, in order to move thecartridge 200 to the retracted configuration illustrated in FIG. 11, anopposing second side of the connector portion 120C of the slider mayengage the concealment member 126 at an opposing end of the opening 132therethrough. Accordingly, the concealment member 126 may be moved in anopposing second direction (e.g., generally to the right in terms of theorientation illustrated in FIG. 11). By allowing the concealment member126 to slide in this manner, the longitudinal length of the opening 132therethrough necessary to allow full extension and retraction of thecartridge 200 may be reduced. Note that in order to allow for movementof the concealment member 126 while still substantially blocking theopening 132 defined through the front cover 102G (see, e.g., FIG. 5),the concealment member 126 may define a longitudinal length that isgreater than a longitudinal length of the opening through the frontcover. In particular, the longitudinal length of the concealment member126 may be at least equal to the longitudinal length of the opening 132defined through the front cover 102G plus a length of the stroke of theconcealment member during movement of the cartridge 200 between theretracted configuration and the extended configuration.

As noted above, in the retracted configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 4) theopening 144 (see, e.g., FIG. 5) through the concealment member 126 maybe substantially entirely covered by the external engagement member 124.In this regard, as illustrated in FIG. 4, in some embodiments theexternal engagement member 124 may define a tab 124A. The tab 124A maybe configured to cover any remaining portion of the opening 144 (see,e.g., FIG. 5) through the concealment member 126 that is not covered bya body portion 124B of the external engagement member 124. The tab 124Amay be configured to slide under the front cover 102G inside the housing102 during movement of the cartridge 200 into the extended configuration(see, e.g., FIG. 5). In one embodiment, the tab 124A may function as achild lock. In this regard, in order to fully extend the cartridge 200,a user may be required to depress the external engagement member 124inwardly while sliding the external engagement member such that the tab124A is able to slide under the front 102E of the housing 102, ratherthan into abutting contact therewith, which may be required foroperation of the aerosol delivery device 100 in some embodiments.However, as may be understood, the actuator 110 may be configured withvarious other safety mechanisms configured to prevent usage of theaerosol delivery device by a child and/or accidental extension of thecartridge or actuation of the aerosol delivery device, which may requiredepression of the actuator during usage or other complex orforce-intensive manipulations of the actuator and/or a separate member(e.g., a lockout switch).

As noted above, the aerosol delivery device 100 may employ the connector106 to cause movement of the cartridge 200 when the actuator 110 isdisplaced. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the connector 106 may be coupled toa portion of the actuator 110 that is displaced when a user moves theexternal engagement member 124. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6,the connector 106 may be coupled to the slider 120. Thereby, when theexternal engagement member 124 displaces the slider 120, the slider maydisplace the connector 106, which in turn displaces the cartridge 200.

In this regard, the connector 106 may be configured to mechanicallyengage the cartridge 200 such that the cartridge is firmly coupledtherewith. Various mechanisms may connect the cartridge 200 to theconnector 106 to result in a threaded engagement, a press-fitengagement, an interference fit, a magnetic engagement, or the like.Further, the connector 106 may be configured to form an electricalconnection between the cartridge 200 and the controller 108. Thereby,for example, current may be delivered to the atomizer 212 and theelectronic control component 208 (see, e.g., FIG. 3) in embodiments inwhich an electronic control component is included in the cartridge 200(e.g., for cartridge authenticity verification purposes). Note thatalthough the controller 108 is illustrated as being coupled to theslider 120 and the connector 106, and hence configured to movetherewith, in other embodiments the controller may fixedly positionedwith respect to the housing 102 and an interconnecting member mayelectrically couple the cartridge 200 to the controller 108 through theconnector 106. By way of example, the interconnecting member maycomprise a flexible circuit board, a ribbon cable, one or more wires, awire loop or bundle with or without sheathing, or a moving or slidingcontact, brush, spring (e.g., leaf spring), spring pins (e.g., asemployed in computer power connectors) and/or trace, which may beemployed to form electrical connections between the cartridge and thecontroller. Thus, for example, in some embodiments the cartridge 200 maybe partially or fully electrically disconnected from the controller 108in the retracted configuration and electrically connected to thecontroller in the extended configuration. This configuration may ensurethat unintended activation of the cartridge in the retractedconfiguration is not possible. Such a configuration may beadvantageously employed in conjunction with the releasable retentionmechanisms described above. However, in other embodiments theinterconnecting member may maintain an electrical connection between thecartridge and the controller in both the retracted configuration and theextended configuration.

The connector 106 may include a coupler 150 (see, FIG. 8) configured tofacilitate engagement with the cartridge 200 in the above-describedmanner. In some embodiments the coupler 150 may be configured topermanently engage the cartridge 200. For example, a permanent couplingbetween the coupler 150 and the cartridge 200 may be employed inembodiments in which the aerosol delivery device 100 is disposable.Thus, by way of further example, the coupler 150 may comprise a couplerconfigured for permanent coupling with a cartridge as disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/170,838 to Bless et al., filed Feb. 3,2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Conversely in other embodiments the coupler 150 may be configured toreleasably engage the cartridge 200 such that the cartridge may beremoved therefrom. Thus, for example, the cartridge 200 may be replacedor removed and refilled when it runs out of the aerosol precursorcomposition. The coupler 150 may be configured to engage the base 214(see, e.g., FIG. 3) of the cartridge 200. Thus, for example, the coupler150 may include anti-rotation features that substantially preventrelative rotation between the cartridge 200 and the coupler, and relatedcomponents such as terminals and electrical contacts as disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/840,264 to Novak et al., filed Mar.15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

With the cartridge 200 coupled to the connector 106, the user may employthe actuator 110 to move the cartridge to the extended configuration(see, e.g., FIG. 5), as described above. Thereby, a user may draw on themouthpiece 220 to cause the aerosol delivery device 100 to produceaerosol which is delivered to the user through the mouthpiece. In thisregard, as described above, the controller 108 (see, e.g., FIG. 6) maybe configured to direct electrical power from the power source 104 tothe cartridge 200 to heat the aerosol precursor composition and produceaerosol. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the controller 108 may include aflow sensor 152. The flow sensor 152 may be configured to detect apressure drop or flow of air associated with a user drawing on thecartridge 200. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the connector 106may include one or more apertures 153 extending through the coupler 150in communication with the flow sensor 152. Thereby, as a user draws onthe cartridge 200, the resultant pressure drop at the connector 106 maybe detected by the flow sensor 152. Accordingly, the controller 108 maydirect current to the cartridge 200 to produce aerosol in the mannerdescribed above. In one embodiment the flow sensor 152 may besubstantially similar to the flow sensor disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/840,264 to Novak et al., filed Mar. 15, 2013,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate toaerosol delivery devices that include a cartridge and a housing, whereinthe cartridge is moveable with respect to at least a portion of thehousing between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration.Thereby, in the retracted configuration the cartridge may be protected,the aerosol delivery device may define a relatively more compactconfiguration, and/or various other benefits may be provided asdescribed above. Conversely, the extended configuration of the cartridgemay allow for a draw thereon and production of aerosol in asubstantially conventional manner.

Although an example embodiment of the aerosol delivery device 100 isdescribed above and illustrated in FIGS. 4-15, aerosol delivery devicesincluding a cartridge configured to move relative to a housing betweenretracted and extended configurations may be embodied in many otherforms. Thus, additional example embodiments of aerosol deliveriesincluding a cartridge moveable relative to a housing between a retractedconfiguration and an extended configuration are discussed hereinafter.Details with respect to these aerosol delivery devices are limited todifferences with respect to the above-described aerosol delivery device100 for brevity purposes. However, it should be understood that theaerosol delivery devices described below may include some or all of thecomponents described above. Further, for example purposes, the aerosoldelivery devices described below are referenced as including a housingand a cartridge including an outer body and a reservoir substrateconfigured to contain an aerosol precursor composition and an atomizer.In this regard, the aerosol delivery devices are described as includingthe cartridge 200. This configuration may, for example, allow forreplacement of the cartridge when the aerosol precursor composition isexpended. However, it should be understood that the various componentsof the aerosol delivery devices may be distributed between the cartridgeand the housing in any manner, and usage of the cartridge 200 isdescribed for example purposes only.

By way of example, FIG. 14 illustrates an aerosol delivery device 300including a housing 302 and the cartridge 200. An actuator 310 extendsout of a side of the housing 302 so as to enable extension andretraction of the cartridge 200 when the actuator slides in first andsecond opposing directions. In this regard, a connector 306 is moveablyattached to the housing 302 (e.g., via the actuator 310) and thecartridge 200 is engaged with the connector so as to be moveablerelative to the housing. Thereby, a user may draw on the mouthpiece 220of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge is in the extended configurationin order to cause passage of an aerosol therethrough to the user. Anindicator 316 is positioned at a front of the housing 302. Further, anattachment mechanism 312 is defined by a bottom of the housing 302.

FIG. 15 illustrates an aerosol delivery device 400 including a housing402 and the cartridge 200. An actuator 410 extends out of a front of thehousing 402 so as to cause extension and retraction of the cartridge 200when the actuator slides in first and second opposing directions. Inthis regard, a connector 406 is moveably attached to the housing 402(e.g., via the actuator 410) and the cartridge 200 is engaged with theconnector so as to be moveable relative to the housing. Thereby, a usermay draw on the mouthpiece 220 of the cartridge 200 when the cartridgeis in the extended configuration in order to cause passage of an aerosoltherethrough to the user. An indicator 416 is positioned at a top of thehousing 402. Further, an attachment mechanism 412 is defined by a cornerof the housing 402.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate an aerosol delivery device 500 including ahousing 502 and the cartridge 200. An actuator 506 includes a slider 520and an external engagement member 524. As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and20, the slider 520 may be operatively engaged with the cartridge 200. Inthis regard, a connector 506 is moveably attached to the housing 502(e.g., via the actuator 510) and the cartridge 200 is engaged with theconnector so as to be moveable relative to the housing. Thereby, a usermay draw on the mouthpiece 220 of the cartridge 200 when the cartridgeis in the extended configuration in order to cause passage of an aerosoltherethrough to the user.

In one embodiment the slider 520 may be flexible. For example, theslider 520 may comprise a flexible membrane or a plurality ofsubstantially rigid members serially pivotably connected to one anotherin a manner similar to the cover portion of a roll top desk.Accordingly, when the external engagement member 524 is moved by a user,the slider 520 may change shape based on a shape of a surroundingstructure which guides movement thereof. For example, the movement ofthe slider 520 and the corresponding change in shape thereof may beguided by the housing 502 in one embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the slider 520 may be configured to cover anopening 554 defined in the housing 502 when the cartridge 200 is in theretracted configuration. For example, as illustrated, the opening 554may be positioned at one or more sides of the housing 502 and the slider520 may extend along the opening such that the opening is blocked.Thereby, the cartridge 200 may be substantially enclosed in the housing502 in the retracted configuration as a result of the slider 520 and thehousing cooperatively surrounding the cartridge 200. Thus, themouthpiece 220 of the cartridge 200 may be positioned inside the housing502 in the retracted configuration such that the mouthpiece is protectedfrom damage and/or contamination.

However, when a user slides the external engagement member 524 (e.g.,downwardly in terms of the orientation illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20)so as to move the cartridge 200 out of the retracted configuration, theslider 520 may retract from at least a portion 554A of the opening 554,as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 20. Further, the slider 520 may push thecartridge 200 toward the portion 554A of the opening 554 such that thecartridge extends through the opening in the extended configuration, asillustrated in FIGS. 18 and 20. In this regard, due to the slider 520providing for movement of the cartridge 200 in addition to opening andclosing the opening 554, the slider may simultaneously open the openingwhile directing the cartridge 200 toward and through the opening. Thisconfiguration may thus provide a seamless transition between theretracted configuration and the extended configuration which maydesirably open the opening and extend the cartridge or close the openingand retract the cartridge without require multiple user inputs.

Additional embodiments of aerosol delivery devices configured tosimultaneously open an opening and extend the cartridge therethroughduring a transition from a retracted configuration to an extendedconfiguration are also provided. For example, FIG. 19 illustrates anembodiment of an aerosol delivery device 600 including a housing 602 andthe cartridge 200. The housing 602 may include a main body portion 602Aand a moveable portion 602B defining a lid. The moveable portion 602Bmay be pivotably connected to the main body portion 602A by a hinge 656.

Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the moveable portion 602B may pivotwith respect to the main body portion 602A to open an opening 654defined by the main body portion of the housing 602. During pivoting ofthe housing 602, the cartridge 200 may move from a retractedconfiguration (see, FIG. 19) to an extended configuration (see, FIG. 20)wherein the cartridge extends through the opening 654. Movement of thecartridge 200 in this manner may be caused by an actuator 610 comprisinga connecting mechanism 658 (which is schematically illustrated as alinkage) that couples the cartridge to the moveable portion 602B of thehousing 602. Similarly, the connecting mechanism 658 may move thecartridge 200 from the extended configuration back through the opening654 to the retracted configuration during closing of the moveableportion 602B of the housing 602. In this regard, a connector 606 ismoveably attached to the housing 602 and the cartridge 200 is engagedwith the connector so as to be moveable relative to the housing.Thereby, a user may draw on the mouthpiece 220 of the cartridge 200 whenthe cartridge is in the extended configuration in order to cause passageof an aerosol therethrough to the user.

Further, FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of an aerosol delivery device700 including a housing 702 and the cartridge 200. The housing 702includes a main body portion 702A and a moveable portion 702B defining alid. The moveable portion 702B may pivot (e.g., rotate) with respect tothe main body portion 702A of the housing 702 so as to open an opening754. The cartridge 200 may simultaneously extend through the opening 754as the moveable portion 702B rotates. Thereby, the cartridge 200 maymove to the extended configuration and be ready for usage followrotation of the moveable portion 702B.

Conversely, the cartridge 200 may retract back through the opening 754to a retracted configuration as the moveable portion 702B is rotated toa closed position. Movement of the cartridge 200 in this manner may becaused by a connecting mechanism (e.g., a linkage, not shown) thatconnects the cartridge to the moveable portion 702B of the housing 702.Accordingly, usage of an actuator, which may comprise a slider or aconnecting mechanism, may be employed to simultaneously open an openingand extend a cartridge therethrough, and close an opening and retractthe cartridge therethrough, as described above in reference to FIGS.18-23 in a variety of manners. In this regard, a connector 706 ismoveably attached to the housing 702 and the cartridge 200 is engagedwith the connector so as to be moveable relative to the housing.Thereby, a user may draw on the mouthpiece 220 of the cartridge 200 whenthe cartridge is in the extended configuration in order to cause passageof an aerosol therethrough to the user.

Additional embodiments of actuators may be employed in otherembodiments. For example, FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment of anaerosol delivery device 800 including a housing 802 and the cartridge200. An actuator 810 may be configured to move the cartridge 200 betweena retracted configuration and the extended configuration illustrated inFIG. 22. As illustrated, the actuator 810 may include a spring 860,which is illustrated via partial cut-away of the housing 802 and abutton 862. The spring 860 may be configured to move the cartridge 200from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration uponactuation of the button 862. The cartridge 200 may be returned to theretracted configuration by pressing on a longitudinal axis of thecartridge such that the cartridge is directed back inside the housing802. In this regard, a connector 806 is moveably attached to the housing802 (e.g., via the actuator 810) and the cartridge 200 is engaged withthe connector so as to be moveable relative to the housing. Thereby, auser may draw on the mouthpiece 220 of the cartridge 200 when thecartridge is in the extended configuration in order to cause passage ofan aerosol therethrough to the user.

FIG. 23 illustrates an additional embodiment of an aerosol deliverydevice 900 including a housing 902 and the cartridge 200. In particular,FIG. 23 illustrates the cartridge 200 in a retracted configurationwherein the mouthpiece 220 of the cartridge 200 is optionally at leastpartially received within the housing 902 such that the cartridge is atleast partially protected from damage and contamination.

As illustrated in FIG. 24, the cartridge 200 may be configured to pivotwith respect to the housing 902. In this regard, the aerosol deliverydevice 900 may further comprise a hinge 956. Additionally, a connector906 is moveably attached to the housing 902 via the hinge 956 and thecartridge 200 is engaged with the connector so as to be moveablerelative to the housing. Accordingly, the cartridge 200 may pivotbetween the retracted configuration and the extended configuration in amanner similar to that employed in a folding pocket knife. In thisregard, by way of example, the cartridge may releasably lock in theextended and/or retracted configurations in some embodiments. A user maydraw on the mouthpiece 220 of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge is inthe extended configuration in order to cause passage of an aerosoltherethrough to the user.

An alternate embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 1000 isillustrated in FIG. 25. As illustrated, the aerosol delivery device 1000may include a housing 1002 and the cartridge 200. A connector 1006 maybe attached to the housing 1002 and the cartridge 200 may be engagedwith the connector so as to be coupled to the housing, as illustrated inFIG. 26. The cartridge 200 may be removably engaged with the connector1006 and replaceable.

The housing 1002 may include a main body portion 1002A and a moveableportion 1002B defining a lid. The moveable portion 1002B may beconfigured to pivot with respect to the main body portion 1002A via ahinge 1056. The cartridge 200 may be configured to remain stationarywith respect to the main body portion 1002A of the housing 1002. In thisregard, the connector 1006 may be fixedly attached to the main bodyportion 1002A of the housing 1002.

More particularly, the moveable portion 1002B of the housing 1002 isconfigured to move with respect to the main body portion 1002A of thehousing between a first position (see, FIG. 26) in which the mouthpiece220 of the cartridge 200 is exposed and a second position (see, FIG. 25)in which the mouthpiece is at least partially received within themoveable portion of the housing. For example, in the illustratedembodiment the mouthpiece 220 of the cartridge 200 is fully receivedwithin the moveable portion 1002B of the housing 1002 when the moveableportion is in the second position (see, FIG. 25). Thus, when themoveable portion 1002B is in the second position (see, FIG. 26), thecartridge 200 may define an extended configuration in which themouthpiece 220 thereof is exposed and configured for receipt of a drawthereon. Conversely, when the moveable portion 1002B is in the firstposition (see, FIG. 25), the cartridge 200 may define a retractedconfiguration in which the mouthpiece 220 is relatively closer to thehousing 1002 (e.g., relatively closer to the moveable portion 1002B ofthe housing) than in the extended configuration.

During movement of the moveable portion 1002B the cartridge 200 may beconfigured to remain stationary with respect to the main body portion1002A of the housing 1002 while still allowing for transitions of thecartridge between the retracted configuration and the extendedconfiguration in which the mouthpiece 220 is respectively covered andexposed. A user may draw on the mouthpiece 220 of the cartridge 200 whenthe moveable portion 1002B of the housing 1002 is in the second position(see, FIG. 26) in order to cause passage of an aerosol therethrough tothe user. In this regard, power supplied by a power source 1004positioned within the housing 1002 (e.g., within the main body portion1002A) may supply power to the cartridge 200.

FIG. 27 illustrates an additional embodiment of an aerosol deliverydevice 1100. As illustrated, the aerosol delivery device may include ahousing 1102 and the cartridge 200. A connector 1106 may be attached tothe housing 1102 and the cartridge 200 may be engaged with the connectorso as to be coupled to the housing. The cartridge 200 may be removablyengaged with the connector 1206 and replaceable.

The housing 1102 may include a main body portion 1102A and a moveableportion 1102B defining a lid. The moveable portion 1102B of the housing1102 may be configured to translate toward and away from the main bodyportion 1102A of the housing. The cartridge 200 may be configured toremain stationary with respect to the main body portion 1102A of thehousing 1102. In this regard, the connector 1106 may be fixedly attachedto the main body portion 1102A of the housing 1102.

More particularly, the moveable portion 1102B of the housing 1102 isconfigured to move with respect to the main body portion 1102A of thehousing between a first position (see, FIG. 28) in which the mouthpiece220 of the cartridge 200 is exposed and a second position (see, FIG. 27)in which the mouthpiece is at least partially received within themoveable portion of the housing. For example, in the illustratedembodiment the mouthpiece 220 of the cartridge 200 is fully receivedwithin the moveable portion 1102B of the housing 1102 when the moveableportion is in the second position (see, FIG. 25). Thus, when themoveable portion 1102B is in the second position (see, FIG. 26), thecartridge 200 may define an extended configuration in which themouthpiece 220 thereof is exposed and configured for receipt of a drawthereon. Conversely, when the moveable portion 1102B is in the firstposition (see, FIG. 25), the cartridge 200 may define a retractedconfiguration in which the mouthpiece 220 is relatively closer to thehousing 1002 (e.g., relatively closer to the moveable portion 1102B ofthe housing) than in the extended configuration.

During movement of the moveable portion 1102B the cartridge 200 may beconfigured to remain stationary with respect to the main body portion1102A of the housing 1102 while still allowing for transitions of thecartridge between the retracted configuration and the extendedconfiguration in which the mouthpiece 220 is respectively covered andexposed. A user may draw on the mouthpiece 220 of the cartridge 200 whenthe moveable portion 1102B of the housing 1102 is in the second position(see, FIG. 26) in order to cause passage of an aerosol therethrough tothe user. In this regard, power supplied by a power source 1104positioned within the housing 1102 (e.g., within the main body portion1102A) may supply power to the cartridge 200. Note that the embodimentsof aerosol delivery devices illustrated in FIGS. 25-28 are configured toresemble lighters employed, for example, to light traditional smokingarticles.

Various example shapes and configurations of embodiments of aerosoldelivery devices configured to allow for transition of a cartridgebetween a retracted configuration and an extended configuration aredescribed above. However, it should be understood that a wide variety ofembodiments of aerosol delivery devices may include a cartridgeconfigured to move between a retracted configuration and an extendedconfiguration as described above. In this regard, it should beunderstood that the particular embodiments described herein are providedfor example purposes only. Various other embodiments of shapes, designs,and styles may be employed in aerosol delivery devices including acartridge configured to move relative to at least a portion of a housingbetween a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In thisregard, examples of various other shapes, styles, and designs which maybe employed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosureinclude those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,225,633 to Luo et al.; U.S.Pat. No. 8,341,989 to Hamblin et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,392 toJohnson; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,342,986 to Rourke et al., each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Further, the aerosol delivery device may be configured to defineadditional functionality. For example, the housing of the aerosoldelivery device may define a key, remote, or remote starter for anautomobile, a garage door opener, or other device. In this regard, insome embodiments the aerosol delivery device may define a shape thatmimics the traditional shape of such devices (e.g., a key fob). In someembodiments the controller in the device that controls atomizationand/or related functions may additionally control any other functionsprovided by the aerosol delivery device (e.g., remote controlfunctionality, etc). In some embodiments the housing may be non-tubularor non-cylindrical and may be described as defining one or moresubstantially flat surfaces and/or two or more substantially parallelsurfaces in some embodiments. Further, in some embodiments the aerosoldelivery device or a portion thereof (e.g., the housing) may comprisefirst and second outer bodies as disclosed, for example, in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/170,838, filed Feb. 3, 2014, to Bless et al.,which is incorporated herein by reference.

In the various embodiments of aerosol delivery devices described above,at least a portion of the cartridge (e.g., the mouthpiece) may bereceived in the housing in a retracted configuration. This configurationmay protect the mouthpiece from exposure to contaminants when theaerosol delivery device is not in use. In some embodiments the aerosoldelivery devices of the disclosure may include additional featuresconfigured to improve the cleanliness associated with usage thereof. Inthis regard, in one embodiment the aerosol delivery device may beconfigured to sterilize the cartridge or a portion thereof (e.g., themouthpiece). For example, the aerosol delivery device may include anultraviolet emitter (e.g., an ultraviolet light emitting diode)configured to emit ultraviolet light which may kill microorganisms suchas pathogens, viruses and molds.

In this regard, the aerosol delivery device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1includes an ultraviolet emitter 196 configured to emit ultravioletlight. By way of example, as illustrated, the ultraviolet emitter 196may be configured and positioned to direct ultraviolet light at themouthpiece 220 of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge is in theretracted configuration. The ultraviolet emitter 196 may be configuredto direct the ultraviolet light at substantially the entirety of theexternal surface of the mouthpiece 220 and/or inner surfaces thereofalong a flow path extending therethrough. In this regard, in someembodiments the aerosol delivery device may include multiple ultravioletemitters and/or an ultraviolet reflector or reflective coating may bepositioned within the housing 102 such that it substantially surroundsthe mouthpiece 220 when the cartridge 200 is retracted into the housingand thereby reflects the ultraviolet light around and against theperiphery of the mouthpiece.

In one embodiment the ultraviolet emitter 196 may be configured toautomatically emit ultraviolet radiation at the mouthpiece 220 when thecartridge 200 is moved to the retracted configuration. For example, theultraviolet emitter 196 may emit ultraviolet light each time thecartridge 200 is retracted, upon the occurrence of a selected number ofretractions of the cartridge, upon passage of a predetermined period oftime, upon usage of a predetermined portion of the aerosol precursorcomposition, or based upon any other factor. Alternatively oradditionally, the ultraviolet emitter 196 may be manually activated by auser. As may be understood, the above-noted ultraviolet emitter may beincluded in any of the aerosol delivery devices disclosed herein.Example embodiments of ultraviolet emitters are available from Digi-KeyCorp. of Thief River Falls, Minn.

As noted above, in some embodiments the aerosol delivery device may beconfigured to activate an ultraviolet emitter upon retraction of thecartridge into the housing. In this regard, in some embodiments theaerosol delivery device may include a cartridge position sensor (e.g., aswitch) configured to detect when the cartridge is retracted.Alternatively or additionally, the cartridge position sensor may beconfigured to detect when the cartridge is extended. The cartridgeposition sensor may be configured to transmit a signal to the controllerindicating whether the cartridge is retracted or extended. Thereby, thecontroller may employ the signal from the cartridge position sensor todetermine when to sanitize the cartridge as described above or toperform various other functions such as preheating the heater when thecartridge is extended.

Additionally, the movement of the cartridge in the above-describedembodiments may be controlled in one or more manners. In this regard,the extension or retraction of the cartridge may be resisted or assistedin one or more manners. For example, the aerosol delivery device 800illustrated in FIG. 22 includes the spring 860, which is configured toassist extension of the cartridge 200. The spring 860 may also resistmovement of the cartridge 200 during retraction. Further, in someembodiments the aerosol delivery devices may include a damper mechanismconfigured to dampen movement of the cartridge (e.g., by dampingmovement caused by a spring).

In this regard, the damper mechanism may me coupled to the connector andconfigured to dampen the movement thereof (e.g., during extension of thecartridge in embodiments of the aerosol delivery device wherein thecartridge is extended by an actuator). For example, a damper mechanismmay be employed in the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 21, such that thecartridge 200 slowly extends (e.g., as caused by a spring) after themoveable portion 702B of the lid 702 is opened. Use of a dampermechanism may provide a satisfying user experience by providing slow,controlled movement of the cartridge. An example embodiment of a dampermechanism is a gear damper mechanism as described in U.S. Pat. No.7,959,201 to Staib, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

Various other embodiments of actuators may be employed in theembodiments of aerosol delivery devices disclosed herein, includingvarious automated embodiments of actuators. For example, in oneembodiment a motor and a lead screw may be employed to extend andretract the cartridge. Further, in some embodiments the aerosol deliverydevices may include a lock mechanism that selectively allows forextension of the cartridge. For example, the lock mechanism may comprisea solenoid that allows the cartridge to move only when actuated.Further, the controller may require entry of a code or other information(e.g., a fingerprint or other biometric information) prior to actuatingthe solenoid to release the cartridge. Further in embodiments includingautomated actuators configured to extend the cartridge, the controllermay prevent extension in a similar manner by, for example, disallowingoperation of a motor and drive screw prior to entry of a code or othersuch information. Thereby, for example, the aerosol delivery devices mayinclude a child lock function and/or otherwise prevent unauthorized use.

Various materials may be employed in the aerosol delivery devices of thepresent disclosure. By way of example, in one embodiment the slider 120may comprise brass and the track 122 may comprise steel in order toprovide the actuator 110 (see, e.g., FIG. 8) with a strong and durableconfiguration. However, metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, or titanium),plastics, ceramics, composites, and other materials may be employed inany of the various components described herein unless stated otherwiseherein. Further, the housing may be formed from any of a variety ofmaterials including, for example, metal and/or plastic.

A method for assembling a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device isalso provided. As illustrated in FIG. 29, the method may includeproviding an atomizer, a reservoir configured to contain an aerosolprecursor composition, a housing, and a cartridge comprising amouthpiece at operation 1202. Further, the method may includepositioning the atomizer in the cartridge or the housing at operation1204. The method may additionally include positioning the reservoir inthe cartridge or the housing at operation 1206. The method may furthercomprise operatively engaging the cartridge with the housing such thatthe cartridge is moveable relative to at least a portion of the housingbetween an extended configuration in which the mouthpiece is exposed anda retracted configuration in which the mouthpiece is relatively closerto the housing than in the extended configuration at operation 1208.

In some embodiments positioning the reservoir in the cartridge or thehousing at operation 1206 may comprise positioning the reservoir in thecartridge. Further, positioning the atomizer in the cartridge or thehousing at operation 1204 may comprise positioning the atomizer in thecartridge. Operatively engaging the cartridge with the housing atoperation 1408 may comprise coupling the cartridge to an actuator, theactuator being configured to move the cartridge between the extendedconfiguration and the retracted configuration. Coupling the cartridge tothe actuator may include inserting a slider at least partially withinthe housing, the slider being configured to cover an opening in thehousing in the retracted configuration such that the cartridge issubstantially enclosed in the housing and further configured to retractfrom at least a portion of the opening to allow the cartridge to extendthrough the opening in the extended configuration. The method mayadditionally include pivotably coupling a main body portion of thehousing to a moveable portion of the housing. Further, operativelyengaging the cartridge with the housing at operation 1208 may comprisepivotably coupling the cartridge to the housing.

In an additional embodiment, FIG. 30 illustrates a method for assemblingan aerosol delivery. As illustrated, the method may include providing ahousing, an actuator, and a connector comprising a coupler configured toengage a cartridge comprising atomizer and a reservoir containing anaerosol precursor composition at operation 1302. Further, the method mayinclude coupling the connector to the actuator at operation 1304. Themethod may additionally include at least partially inserting theconnector and the actuator within the housing such that the actuator isconfigured to move the cartridge relative to at least a portion of thehousing between an extended configuration and a retracted configurationat operation 1306.

In some embodiments the method may further comprise inserting a powersource into the housing. Additionally, the method may include insertinga controller into the housing. The controller may be configured todirect electrical power from the power source to the cartridge to heatthe aerosol precursor composition retained in the reservoir with theatomizer to produce an aerosol. The method may further compriseassembling the actuator, wherein assembling the actuator comprisesengaging a slider with a track. Assembling the actuator may furthercomprise coupling an external engagement member to the slider. Theexternal engagement member may be configured for engagement by a user tomove the slider.

A further embodiment of a method for assembling an aerosol deliverydevice is illustrated in FIG. 31. As illustrated, the method may includeproviding a housing, a power source, and a connector configured toengage a cartridge comprising an outer body with a mouthpiece configuredfor passage of an aerosol therethrough at operation 1402. The method mayadditionally include positioning the power source within the housing atoperation 1404. Further, the method may include moveably attaching theconnector to the housing such that the connector is configured to movethe cartridge relative to at least a portion of the housing at operation1406.

In some embodiments the method may additionally include engaging thecartridge with the connector. Further, the method may include couplingthe connector to an actuator. The actuator may be configured to move thecartridge between an extended configuration and a retractedconfiguration. Additionally, the method may include assembling theactuator. Assembling the actuator may include engaging a slider with atrack. Assembling the actuator may further comprise coupling an externalengagement member to the slider. The external engagement member may beconfigured for engagement by a user to move the slider.

In another embodiment a controller 1500 is provided, as illustrated inFIG. 32. The controller may be configured to execute computer code forperforming the operations described herein. In this regard, asillustrated in FIG. 32, the controller 1500 may comprise a processor1502 that may be a microprocessor or a controller for controlling theoverall operation thereof. In one embodiment the processor 1502 may beparticularly configured to execute program code instructions related tothe functions described herein, including the operations for assemblingthe aerosol delivery devices or portions thereof of the presentdisclosure. The controller 1500 may also include a memory device 1504.The memory device 1504 may include non-transitory and tangible memorythat may be, for example, volatile and/or non-volatile memory. Thememory device 1504 may be configured to store information, data, files,applications, instructions or the like. For example, the memory device1504 could be configured to buffer input data for processing by theprocessor 1502. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device 1504may be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor1502.

The controller 1500 may also include a user interface 1506 that allows auser to interact therewith. For example, the user interface 1506 cantake a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch screen,audio input interface, visual/image capture input interface, input inthe form of sensor data, etc. Still further, the user interface 1506 maybe configured to output information to the user through a display,speaker, or other output device. Referring to FIG. 5, the display 118may comprise the user interface 1506. A communication interface 1508 mayprovide for transmitting and receiving data through, for example, awired or wireless network 1510 such as a local area network (LAN), ametropolitan area network (MAN), and/or a wide area network (WAN), forexample, the Internet. The communication interface 1508 may enable thecontroller 1500 to communicate with one or more further computingdevices, either directly, or via the network 1510. In this regard, thecommunication interface 1508 may include one or more interfacemechanisms for enabling communication with other devices and/ornetworks. The communication interface 1508 may accordingly include oneor more interface mechanisms, such as an antenna (or multiple antennas)and supporting hardware and/or software for enabling communications viawireless communication technology (e.g., a cellular technology,communication technology, Wi-Fi and/or other IEEE 802.11 technology,Bluetooth, Zigbee, wireless USB, NFC, RF-ID, WiMAX and/or other IEEE802.16 technology, and/or other wireless communication technology)and/or a communication modem or other hardware/software for supportingcommunication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), USB, FireWire,Ethernet, one or more optical transmission technologies, and/or otherwireline networking methods. Further, the controller 1500 may include anassembly module 1512. The assembly module 1512 may be configured to, inconjunction with the processor 1502, direct operations for assembling anaerosol delivery device or a portion thereof as described herein.Non-limiting examples of communication protocols that may be usedaccording to the present disclosure are described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/327,776 to Ampolini et al., filed Jul. 10, 2014,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of thedescribed embodiments can be used separately or in any combination.Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented bysoftware, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Thedescribed embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code ona computer readable medium for controlling the above-describedoperations. In particular, computer readable code may be configured toperform each of the operations of the methods described herein andembodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium forcontrolling the above-described operations. In this regard, a computerreadable storage medium, as used herein, refers to a non-transitory,physical storage medium (e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory device,which can be read by a computer system. Examples of the computerreadable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs,DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computerreadable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computersystems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in adistributed fashion.

As noted above, the controller 1500 may be configured to executecomputer code for performing the above-described assembly operations. Inthis regard, an embodiment of a non-transitory computer readable mediumfor storing computer instructions executed by a processor in acontroller (e.g. controller 1500) configured to assemble an aerosoldelivery device is provided. The non-transitory computer readable mediummay comprise program code instructions for providing an atomizer, areservoir configured to contain an aerosol precursor composition, ahousing, and a cartridge comprising a mouthpiece; program codeinstructions for positioning the atomizer in the cartridge or thehousing; program code instructions for positioning the reservoir in thecartridge or the housing; and program code instructions for operativelyengaging the cartridge with the housing such that the cartridge ismoveable relative to at least a portion of the housing between anextended configuration in which the mouthpiece is exposed and aretracted configuration in which the mouthpiece is relatively closer tothe housing than in the extended configuration.

In some embodiments the program code instructions for positioning thereservoir in the cartridge or the housing may comprise program codeinstructions for positioning the reservoir in the cartridge. The programcode instructions for positioning the atomizer in the cartridge or thehousing may comprise program code instructions for positioning theatomizer in the cartridge. The program code instructions for operativelyengaging the cartridge with the housing may comprise program codeinstructions for coupling the cartridge to an actuator, the actuatorbeing configured to move the cartridge between the extendedconfiguration and the retracted configuration. Further, the program codeinstructions for coupling the cartridge to the actuator may compriseprogram code instructions for inserting a slider at least partiallywithin the housing, the slider being configured to cover an opening inthe housing in the retracted configuration such that the cartridge issubstantially enclosed in the housing and further configured to retractfrom at least a portion of the opening to allow the cartridge to extendthrough the opening in the extended configuration. The non-transitorycomputer readable medium may further comprise program code instructionsfor pivotably coupling a main body portion of the housing to a moveableportion of the housing. The program code instructions for operativelyengaging the cartridge with the housing may comprise program codeinstructions for pivotably coupling the cartridge to the housing.

In an additional embodiment a non-transitory computer readable mediumfor storing computer instructions executed by a processor in acontroller (e.g. controller 1500) configured to assemble an aerosoldelivery device is provided. The non-transitory computer readable mediummay comprise program code instructions for providing a housing, anactuator, and a connector comprising a coupler configured to engage acartridge comprising atomizer and a reservoir containing an aerosolprecursor composition; program code instructions for coupling theconnector to the actuator; and program code instructions for at leastpartially inserting the connector and the actuator within the housingsuch that the actuator is configured to move the cartridge relative toat least a portion of the housing between an extended configuration anda retracted configuration.

In some embodiments the non-transitory computer readable medium mayfurther comprise program code instructions for inserting a power sourceinto the housing. The non-transitory computer readable medium mayfurther comprise program code instructions for inserting a controllerinto the housing. The controller may be configured to direct electricalpower from the power source to the cartridge to heat the aerosolprecursor composition retained in the reservoir with the atomizer toproduce an aerosol. The non-transitory computer readable medium mayfurther comprise program code instructions for assembling the actuator,wherein assembling the actuator comprises engaging a slider with atrack. The computer program instructions for assembling the actuator mayfurther comprise program code instructions for coupling an externalengagement member to the slider, the external engagement member beingconfigured for engagement by a user to move the slider.

In an additional embodiment a non-transitory computer readable mediumfor storing computer instructions executed by a processor in acontroller (e.g. controller 1500) configured to assemble an aerosoldelivery device is provided. The non-transitory computer readable mediummay comprise program code instructions for providing a housing, a powersource, and a connector configured to engage a cartridge comprising anouter body with a mouthpiece configured for passage of an aerosoltherethrough. Additionally, the non-transitory computer readable mediummay comprise program code instructions for positioning the power sourcewithin the housing. Further, the non-transitory computer readable mediummay comprise program code instructions for moveably attaching theconnector to the housing such that the connector is configured to movethe cartridge relative to at least a portion of the housing.

In some embodiments the non-transitory computer readable medium mayfurther comprise program code instructions for engaging the cartridgewith the connector. Additionally, the non-transitory computer readablemedium may comprise program code instructions for coupling the connectorto an actuator, the actuator being configured to move the cartridgebetween an extended configuration and a retracted configuration.Further, the non-transitory computer readable medium may compriseprogram code instructions for assembling the actuator, wherein theprogram code instructions for assembling the actuator comprise programcode instructions for engaging a slider with a track. The program codeinstructions for assembling the actuator may further comprise programcode instructions for coupling an external engagement member to theslider, the external engagement member being configured for engagementby a user to move the slider.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions andthe associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that thedisclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosedherein and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to beincluded within the scope of the appended claims. Although specificterms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptivesense only and not for purposes of limitation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An aerosol delivery device, comprising: ahousing; a power source within the housing; a connector moveablyattached to the housing; and a cartridge comprising an outer body with amouthpiece configured for passage of an aerosol therethrough, thecartridge being engaged with the connector so as to be moveable relativeto at least a portion of the housing; and a controller within thehousing electrically connected with the cartridge and configured todirect electrical power from the power source to the cartridge to heatan aerosol precursor composition retained in a reservoir of thecartridge with an atomizer in the cartridge to produce the aerosol,wherein the connector is configured to form the electrical connectionbetween the cartridge and the controller.
 2. The aerosol delivery deviceof claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises a reservoir configured toretain an aerosol precursor composition.
 3. The aerosol delivery deviceof claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises an atomizer.
 4. The aerosoldelivery device of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is removably engagedwith the connector and replaceable.
 5. The aerosol delivery device ofclaim 1, further comprising an actuator coupled to the connector andconfigured to move the cartridge between an extended configuration inwhich the mouthpiece is exposed and a retracted configuration in whichthe mouthpiece is relatively closer to the housing than in the extendedconfiguration.
 6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 5, wherein theactuator comprises a slider.
 7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6,wherein the slider is configured to cover an opening defined in thehousing when the cartridge is in the retracted configuration such thatthe cartridge is substantially enclosed in the housing and furtherconfigured to retract from at least a portion of the opening to allowthe cartridge to extend through the opening in the extendedconfiguration.
 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 5, wherein theactuator comprises a spring and a button, the spring being configured tomove the cartridge from the retracted configuration to the extendedconfiguration upon actuation of the button.
 9. The aerosol deliverydevice of claim 5, wherein the housing comprises a moveable portionpivotably connected to a main body portion, and wherein the actuatorcomprises a connecting mechanism configured to move the cartridge fromthe retracted configuration to the extended configuration during openingof the moveable portion and configured to move the cartridge from theextended configuration to the retracted configuration during closing ofthe moveable portion.
 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1,wherein the cartridge is configured to pivot with respect to thehousing.
 11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein themouthpiece is positioned inside the housing in the retractedconfiguration.
 12. A method for assembling an aerosol delivery device,the method comprising: providing a housing, a power source, and aconnector configured to engage a cartridge comprising an outer body witha mouthpiece configured for passage of an aerosol therethrough;positioning the power source within the housing; moveably attaching theconnector to the housing such that the connector is configured to movethe cartridge relative to at least a portion of the housing; forming, bythe connector, an electrical connection between the cartridge and acontroller within the housing; and directing electrical power from thepower source to the cartridge by the controller in electricalcommunication with the cartridge in order to heat an aerosol precursorcomposition retained in a reservoir of the cartridge with an atomizer inthe cartridge to produce the aerosol.
 13. The method of claim 12,further comprising engaging the cartridge with the connector.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising coupling the connector to anactuator, the actuator being configured to move the cartridge between anextended configuration and a retracted configuration.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising assembling the actuator, wherein assemblingthe actuator comprises engaging a slider with a track.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein assembling the actuator further comprises coupling anexternal engagement member to the slider, the external engagement memberbeing configured for engagement by a user to move the slider.